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Old 9th February 2007, 05:21   #1
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Two sets of four wheels

Hi

We are moving to Bangalore soon and will need to buy a couple of cars. One of them needs to accommodate 4 adults and 2 kids and we will use a driver for it though I might want to drive it on the weekends. The other can be smaller and needs to be an automatic, in fact the smaller the better given we are not used to driving in India. Safety is important, especially for the larger vehicle. Might use a driver for the automatic as well, the reason for the auto tranny is that my wife has never driven a stick shift and she wants to have the flexibility of driving the automatic in case of need.

We own Japanese cars now (love that Outback) and we love them but are open to all suggestions other than American car brands (been there, done that, paid the price, not touching another one again even if you gave it to me for free...).

Price range
- Large one up to 10 lakhs, smaller one lower than that

Average distance traveled per month
- Larger one 800 km city, 300 km highway, 800km total
- Smaller one 500 km city

Where car will be mostly used (city / highway / rough roads etc)
- Larger one city, but highway once in a while
- Smaller one city
- Bangalore roads (isn't that the same as rough roads )

Chauffeur driven / self driven
- Both will have a driver, but I will drive both occasionally and my wife will drive the automatic on occasion

Whether the vehicle will be shared by other members of family

Yes, my wife.

Any specific requirements from car (ex. Better luggage space, responsive engine, rear seat comfort)
- rear seat comfort in the larger one
- want something that does not need a lot of maintenance
- would like something with a decent ac, especially the larger one
- in the larger one, would want the option of some luggage space
- Airbags would be nice in both
- ABS would be nice in the larger one
- Easy boarding for senior citizens in the larger one
- Function over form (i.e. looks take back seat to practicality)


How long you intend on keeping this car (and how important resale is to you)
- 3 years
- Will most likely sell after 3 years (going in assumption)

Prices and dealer suggestions would be a bonus.

Would appreciate any suggestions, ?

Thanks
U
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Old 9th February 2007, 08:42   #2
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Simple : A diesel Innova V for your people moving needs and a Santro automatic for your wife. Or the new Estilo/WagonR auto if its out by the time you get here.
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Old 9th February 2007, 08:57   #3
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Innova!. especially guys moving back from US. May be a cutdown version of Oddissy, voyeger etc..
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Old 9th February 2007, 09:56   #4
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i think Innova (Petrol or Diesel.. your choice) and NHC will be ideal..
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Old 9th February 2007, 10:23   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Bangalore View Post
i think Innova (Petrol or Diesel.. your choice) and NHC will be ideal..
he needs a small car, smaller the better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sajo View Post
Simple : A diesel Innova V for your people moving needs and a Santro automatic for your wife. Or the new Estilo/WagonR auto if its out by the time you get here.
There is no other car under 10 lakhs other than Innova. (and as you said no to GM, tavera) By now I think it is clear in this case.

Small car???, sajo is right. Both maruti and hyundai are good with After Sales Service. You can go with either of them, have a test drive of all three decide for youself.
My opinion: estilo wont suit for being a driver driven car, and not AT. santro/wangonR you can go for a driver.
Prices: check the respective website:
Toyota:
Toyota - Price List

Hyundai:
Welcome to Hyundai Motor :: Hyundai Santro

Maruti:
Zen - Estilo
WagonR

All the best
raj

Last edited by kkr2k2 : 9th February 2007 at 10:27.
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Old 9th February 2007, 11:25   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kkr2k2 View Post
he needs a small car, smaller the better.

The honda city is considered as a mid size sedan here, probably is U.S it would be as a small car, considering the fact that the Accord and Camry are considered mid size family sedans over there.

I would say the Toyota Innova and the Honda city CVT-automatic should be considered.The Honda is easy to drive,has very low maintainance,plus it has a sprinkling of japanese reliability.

The Hyundai Santro is a small hatchback.It is the only hatchback in India with an auto box.Its very easy to drive and is quite reliable,its main attractions being that its a tall car,so getting in and out of the car is easier than conventional cars.Consider this one if the Honda feels big for your wife.
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Old 9th February 2007, 11:41   #7
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as the others have mentioned, The Innova would suit you to the "T". I suggest you go in for the Petrol Innova given your running, since the refinement of that engine is something else!

For Auto small car, it appear MUL is launching an auto Wagon R anytime. So hopefully that would bein the market by the time you reach India. else, there is always the Santro.

Welcome back to India!!
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Old 9th February 2007, 11:55   #8
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Yeah go for for the Toyota Innova and the Santro AT.
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Old 9th February 2007, 12:33   #9
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auto

Hi,

WagonR auto is available, I didn't get others suggestion of "to be launched". WagonR AX., ex showroom price was 4.6L during december. May be they are referring to new model.

Most of the folks who returned from bay area at my work went for Santro, but santro automatic folks are not happy about it... this is the feedback of folks who moved from bay area and went for santro automatic. They seem to be ok with santro Manual one.

Hope it helps.
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Old 9th February 2007, 13:02   #10
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The Innova and the baby-Innova (Estilo) should do it for you.
Only problem being I am not sure whether the Estilo comes in Auto version, which you need.
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Old 9th February 2007, 13:05   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sajo View Post
Simple : A diesel Innova V for your people moving needs and a Santro automatic for your wife.
Just the perfect suggestion !! uy663 - get these 2 cars and smile
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Old 9th February 2007, 13:18   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ownerofazkaban View Post
Most of the folks who returned from bay area at my work went for Santro, but santro automatic folks are not happy about it... this is the feedback of folks who moved from bay area and went for santro automatic. They seem to be ok with santro Manual one.
Could you provide some more info here? Is that just about the Auto box or something more?
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Old 9th February 2007, 14:31   #13
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Everyone seems to be in love for Innova here... So, I'll suggest something else, perhaps as an alternative to Innova (but equally good) -

Try the Scorpio
Mahindra Scorpio : Introduction

Don't know about the exact price, but it's about Rs. 100,000 cheaper than the Innova (depends on the variant you choose), and equally good.
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Old 9th February 2007, 14:41   #14
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a toyota innova 'v' spec and a honda city cvt. the perfect cars for you.
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Old 9th February 2007, 15:55   #15
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Since you are coming from USA, you are accustomed with BIG and AUTO cars!

Even if you have drivers in India, because of your lifestyle in USA you might be tempted to drive quite often in India as well.

Santro Automatic is an excellent car BUT you may feel cramped compared to American cars.

So, an automatic Honda City would be ideal for you. It's spacious as well and can quite well compare with American cars.

For the bigger one, you can choose either Innova or Scorpio.
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